U.S. Drought Outlook Predicts Drought Development

November 22, 2023 Dear Water Customer, On November 24, 2020, The Hampstead Area Water Company, Inc. (HAWC) filed for a rate increase with the New Hampshire Public Utilities Commission (NHPUC). The increases in the water rates are designed to allow the Company to recover its costs and to earn a reasonable return on its investment. After due consideration and review by the parties, HAWC, the NH Department of Energy, the NH Office of the Consumer Advocate, the Town of Atkinson and the Town of Hampstead entered into a Settlement Agreement. The NHPUC approved the rate increase incorporated into the Settlement Agreement on June 2, 2022; NHPUC Order Number 26,635. This order includes a rate increase to water charges with two proposed step increases in the future, and the approval to charge for private fire protection in residential homes with fire protection systems. On November 8, 2023, the NHPUC approved the Step 2 Adjustment, Order Number 26,902 . In the Step 2 adjustment the monthly base rate charged by HAWC for customers with a 5/8” meter (most residential customers) will increase from the current rate of $12.89 per month to $14.24 per month. The consumption rate will increase from the current rate of $7.72 per 100cf to $8.41 per 100cf. The private fire protection charges will not change. The complete list of new rates can be found on our website at https://www.hampsteadwater.com/water-rates-fee-info . We at Hampstead Area Water Co., Inc. would like to express our appreciation to you, our customers. We thank you for your support while we continue improving our abilities to better serve you now and into the future. Should you have additional questions please feel free to contact our office Monday through Friday 8:00 am to 4:30 pm at (603) 362-4299 or by email at customerservice@hampsteadwater.com . Sincerely,